Mumbai, March 30 -- The cement industry is bracing for a sharp price increase in April as the fallout from the war in West Asia drives up production costs. UltraTech Cement Ltd, India's largest producer, is set to be the first to increase its price, according to an executive in the know.

A price hike by the market leader is likely to trigger similar moves by other cement makers, who are under even greater pressure from higher costs, given their relatively smaller scale.

"Nobody will increase cement prices now as they need to meet the year-end targets, but price increase will be seen in the month of April, and cost will be passed on to the consumers," said the executive quoted above, requesting anonymity, discussing business strategy.

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